Silvicultural and economic aspects of forest regeneration in the Eastern Polissya Region of Ukraine

Abstract The scope of forest regeneration (including reforestation and afforestation) in Eastern Polissya of Ukraine has been defined. Forest regeneration is carried out primarily through artificial methods. Based on an analysis of the growth of experimental forest stands, key indicators for types of forest stands have been developed: main and accompanying tree species, mixing schemes, initial density, planting technology, and the frequency and number of tending operations. Successful natural regeneration of valuable species on areas after clear cutting occurs in seed years following prior soil mineralization (on 50–60% of the plot area). According to comparative analysis, measures to promote natural regeneration of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) on fresh areas after clear cutting are 1.8 times more effective than creating artificial stands.